Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations
Get up close and personal with people and moments that have changed aviation history with inspiring talks in the MOTAT Aviation Hall.
Ngā Korero Rererangi Aviation Conversations is a series of evening talks
showcasing Aotearoa aviation of the past, present and future.
Set in the stunning Aviation Hall, the two talks for 2024 are an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with
people and moments that have changed aviation history.
Arrive early and explore the extensive and majestic collection, telling stories of aviation technology and achievement in Aotearoa.
Visit the bar for a bespoke gin-sour Aviator cocktail, or grab a quick pre-show bite (koha graciously accepted).
Doors open at 6:30pm
Conversation starts at 7pm
Cash bar available.
Aviation Conversations tickets are available with koha at time of purchase. Bookings are essential.
MOTAT Presents: Attack on Sorpe Dam
Thursday 10 OctoberA docu-drama film based on a true story, part of Operation Chastise - the Dambusters Raid. Set within the context of the RAF bomber offensive on Germany during World War Two, the story features a first-hand account from the perspective of George "Johnny" Johnson, a young 21-year-old RAF 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer. Johnny narrated the film, working with the Producers for 10 years to ensure his story could be used to educate young and old alike.
The film follows the story of Johnny and his aircrew from March 1943 after joining a newly formed squadron for a top secret, special operation that had the potential to shorten the war in Europe.
Hear descriptions from Johnny of the dangerous low flying training and events leading up to their operational briefing on May 16th 1943. Their seemingly impossible mission - to fly at 100 feet in a four engine Lancaster Bomber at night, over many miles of occupied enemy territory. On reaching the target, they were to drop a new weapon that had never before been tried operationally, with pin-point accuracy, in a way they had not practiced and then make their way back home safely. Nothing like this had ever been attempted.
Run time: 50 minutes. This film is suitable for viewing by all ages.
Grid: The Life and Times of First World War fighter ace, Keith Caldwell
Thursday 5 SeptemberDr Adam Claasen, a leading military historian, presents his gripping biography of Air Commodore Keith 'Grid' Caldwell CBE, MC, DFC & Bar, Croix de Guerre, which tells the story of his remarkable exploits during the First World War. Flying single-seat fighters against best of the German air force, including the Red Baron's Flying Circus and airmen such as Werner Voss, Caldwell accumulated 26 victories in aerial combat.
Over his illustrious career Caldwell flew with numerous 'stars' of the British air service, including Albert Ball, Billy Bishop and Mick Mannock. In the last year of the war, aged only 22, he was given command of the new 74 Squadron. Under his leadership the 'Tigers' become one of the war's most feared and revered units.
Claasen details Caldwell's journey from early flight training in Auckland to his death-defying sorties over enemy lines on the Western Front. This biography also details Caldwell's pivotal role in sustaining military aviation in interwar New Zealand, and his role in reinvigorating interest in the airmen of the First World War during the 1960s and 1970s.
Adam Claasen is a senior lecturer in history at Massey University. He has received a Smithsonian Institution Fellowship and was a Fulbright Visiting Lecturer at Georgetown University.
He has presented conference papers and published articles in scholarly journals on military intelligence, the Luftwaffe, general airpower and geo-strategy in war. Classen's books include Hitler's Northern War: The Luftwaffe's Ill-fated Campaign, 1940-1945, Dogfight: the Battle of Britain and Fearless: The Extraordinary Untold Story of New Zealand's Great War Airmen.